CORE relies on a Dedicated IP for secure work with finance and enterprise clients

CORE, a UK-based digital agency, works on branding, web design, digital marketing, and paid advertising. They handle everything from strategy to development as well as hosting and ongoing digital marketing services. We spoke with Ceri Richmond, CORE’s founder and managing director, about how NordLayer helps them stay secure and compliant.

The challenge

CORE works with banks, legal firms, and other regulated clients, as well as a rich-mix of clients from other sectors. They are Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO 27001 certified, which require strict security measures.

Banks, in particular, must comply with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules and European regulations. As well as at least annual audits with the various certification bodies CORE uses Financial Supplier Qualification System (FSQS) and Risk Ledger to show they meet these standards, and they undergo annual audits to stay certified.

Before hybrid work, CORE relied on its office’s fixed IP for secure connections to clients and servers and for file transfers. Moving to a hybrid model meant they needed a Business VPN and a Server with a dedicated IP to meet their own and their clients compliance requirements.

After comparing options, they chose NordLayer because of its transparent European ownership and trusted reputation.

Step 1. Simple setup with SSO

CORE needed a VPN that was quick and easy to implement.

They use Google accounts, so new hires log in with their Google ID, which integrates directly with NordLayer. This reduces the need for extra credentials. Two-factor authentication and other measures are enabled through Google for added security.

Setting up a new user is straightforward:

• Install NordLayer
• Assign the user
• Connect

Step 2. Virtual fixed IP

CORE uses NordLayer to recreate their office’s fixed IP in the cloud. This allows remote workers to securely access systems, replacing the old office-based model. This setup is crucial for hybrid work.

Step 3: Fixed IP for client data transfers

Many of CORE’s clients require access to shared resources restricted to specific IPs.

With NordLayer’s Server with a dedicated IP, CORE ensures secure, reliable connections that meet their own and their client’s firewall requirements. This is critical when working with sensitive data, especially in the financial sector.

• Example account – for illustration purposes.

Step 4: Dashboards for better control

CORE uses NordLayer’s Dashboards to monitor connections and confirm that only authorized users access their systems. This helps them stay compliant with their ISO 27001 ISMS (Information Security Management System) and maintain strong security practices.

• Example data – for illustration purposes.

Step 5: Future plans for network segmentation

CORE plans to introduce network segmentation to assign different access levels for teams, such as developers and designers. This will give them more control over who can access specific resources while keeping the VPN in use across the company.

• Example setup – for illustration purposes.

Why NordLayer works for CORE

CORE has trusted NordLayer for five years. They test other options every two years but renewed their contract in 2024 after finding NordLayer still the best choice for their needs and against the other main competitors in the VPN space.

1. Ease of use
   Setting up the VPN is quick, and employees rarely face issues
2. Fixed IP control
   Clients need IPs in specific locations, and NordLayer delivers
3. Mac compatibility
   As a Mac-based company, CORE finds NordLayer’s app more user-friendly than others

Adding a new employee takes just 10 minutes:

Pro cybersecurity tips from CORE

CORE combines an ISO 27001 training program with a strong focus on continued learning and awareness. Ceri emphasises that staying informed is essential, especially as cyber threats are constantly evolving.

Regular training ensures everyone, regardless of experience, stays sharp and prepared for evolving threats.

Conclusion

CORE protects sensitive client data with NordLayer’s Server with a dedicated IP. This solution supports their hybrid work model and helps them meet compliance requirements for industries like banking and finance. With NordLayer, they ensure secure connections for their team and clients.

NordLayer’s Server with a dedicated IP adds just $40/month to a subscription. Contact our sales team or try it today with a 14-day money-back guarantee.